Toshiba Nb305 Manual

							User’s ManualGlossary-5
Glossary
chip: A small semiconductor containing computer logic and circuitry for 
processing, memory, input/output functions and controlling other 
chips. 
click: To press and release the pointing devices primary button without 
moving the pointing device. In the Windows
® operating system, this 
refers to the pointing devices left button, unless otherwise stated. 
See also double-click.
CMOS: Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. An electronic circuit 
fabricated on a silicon wafer that requires very little power. 
Integrated circuits implemented in CMOS technology can be tightly 
packaged and are highly reliable. 
cold start: Starting a computer that is currently off (turning on the power). 
COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4: The names assigned to the serial and 
communication ports. 
commands: Instructions you enter at the terminal keyboard that direct the 
actions of the computer or its peripheral devices. 
compatibility: 1) The ability of one computer to accept and process data 
in the same manner as another computer without modifying the 
data or the media upon which it is being transferred. 2) the ability of 
one device to connect to or communicate with another system or 
component. 
components: Elements or parts (of a system) which make up the whole 
(system). 
Composite Video (YUV): A standard video signal used to transmit 
images, e.g. from a VCR to a TV. 
computer program: A set of instructions written for a computer that 
enable it to achieve a desired result. 
computer system: A combination of hardware, software, firmware, and 
peripheral components assembled to process data into useful 
information.
configuration: The specific components in your system (such as the 
terminal, printer, and disk drives) and the settings that define how 
your system works. You use the BIOS Setup program to control 
your system configuration. 
controller: Built-in hardware and software that controls the functions of a 
specific internal or peripheral device (e.g. keyboard controller). 
co-processor: A circuit built into the processor that is dedicated to 
intensive math calculations. 
CPU: Central Processing Unit. The portion of the computer that interprets 
and executes instructions. 
CRT: Cathode Ray Tube. A vacuum tube in which beams projected on a 
fluorescent screen-producing luminous spots. An example is the 
television set.  
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-6
Glossary
cursor: A small, blinking rectangle or line that indicates the current 
position on the display screen. 
D
data: Information that is factual, measurable or statistical that a computer 
can process, store, or retrieve. 
data bits: A data communications parameter controlling the number of bits 
(binary digits) used to make up a byte. If data bits = 7 the computer 
can generate 128 unique characters. If data bits = 8 the computer 
can generate 256 unique characters. 
DC: Direct Current. Electric current that flows in one direction. This type of 
power is usually supplied by batteries. 
default: The parameter value automatically selected by the system when 
you or the program do not provide instructions. Also called a preset 
value. 
delete: To remove data from a disk or other data storage device. 
Synonymous with erase. 
device driver: A program (called a driver) that permits a computer to 
communicate with a device. 
dialog box: A window that accepts user input to make system settings or 
record other information. 
disable: To turn a computer option off. See also enable. 
Digital Audio: An audio compression standard that enables high-quality 
transmission and real-time playback of sound files. 
disk drive: The device that randomly accesses information on a disk and 
copies it to the computer’s memory. It also writes data from memory 
to the disk. To accomplish these tasks, the unit physically rotates 
the disk at high speed past a read-write head. 
disk storage: Storing data on magnetic disk. Data is arranged on 
concentric tracks much like a phonograph record. 
display: A CRT, LCD, or other image producing device used to view 
computer output. 
documentation: The set of manuals and/or other instructions written for 
the users of a computer system or application. Computer system 
documentation typically includes procedural and tutorial information 
as well as system functions. 
double click: To press and release the pointing devices primary button 
rapidly twice without moving the pointing device. In the Windows
® 
operating system, this refers to the pointing devices left button, 
unless otherwise stated.  
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-7
Glossary
driver: A software program, generally part of the operating system, that 
controls a specific piece of hardware (frequently a peripheral device 
such as a printer or mouse). 
DVD: An individual digital versatile (or video) disc. See also DVD-ROM. 
DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial): Also known as 
terrestrial digital TV. Digital TV broadcasting standard. 
DVD-R (+R, -R): A Digital Versatile Disc Recordable disc can be written 
once and read many times. The DVD-R drive uses a laser to read 
data from the disc.
DVD-RAM: A Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory is a 
highcapacity, high performance disc that lets you store large 
volumes of data. The DVD-RAM drive uses a laser to read data 
from the disc. 
DVD-R (Dual Layer): A disc having two layers on one side with the DVD-R 
storage capacity about 1.8 times larger than before. The DVD-RW 
drive uses a laser to read data from the disc. 
DVD-ROM: A Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory is a high capacity, 
high performance disc suitable for play back of video and other 
high-density files. The DVD-ROM drive uses a laser to read data 
from the disc. 
DVD-RW (+RW, -RW): A Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable disc can be 
rewritten many times. 
DVD+R (Double Layer): A disc having two layers on one side with the 
DVD+R storage capacity about 1.8 times larger than before. The 
DVD-RW drive uses a laser to read data from the disc. 
E
echo: To send back a reflection of the transmitted data to the sending 
device. You can display the information on the screen, or output it 
to the printer, or both. When a computer receives back data it 
transmitted to a CRT (or other peripheral device) and then 
transmits the data to printer, the printer is said to echo the CRT. 
enable: To turn on a computer option. See also disable. 
erase: See delete. 
escape: 1) A code (ASCII code 27), signaling the computer that what 
follows are commands; used with peripheral devices such as 
printers and modems. 2) A means of aborting the task currently in 
progress. 
escape guard time: A time before and after an escape code is sent to the 
modem which distinguishes between escapes that are part of the 
transmitted data, and escapes that are intended as a command to 
the modem. 
execute: To interpret and execute an instruction.  
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-8
Glossary
F
fast infrared: An industry standard that enables cableless infrared serial 
data transfer at speeds of up to 4 Mbps. 
file: A collection of related information; a file can contain data, programs, 
or both. 
fingerprint sensor: The fingerprint sensor compares and analyzes the 
unique characteristics in a fingerprint. 
firmware: A set of instructions built into the hardware which controls and 
directs a microprocessor’s activities. 
flash memory: Non-volatile memory that can be written to as well as read. 
Information in flash memory remains whether or not the computer 
is receiving power. This type of memory is used to retain your 
fingerprint data. See also memory. Compare RAM and ROM. 
floppy diskette: A removable disk that stores magnetically encoded data. 
floppy diskette drive (FDD): An electromechanical device that reads and 
writes to floppy diskettes. 
folder: An icon in Windows used to store documents or other folders. 
format: The process of readying a blank disk for its first use. Formatting 
establishes the structure of the disk that the operating system 
expects before it writes files or programs onto the disk. 
function keys: The keys labeled F1 through F9 that tell the computer to 
perform certain functions. 
G
gigabyte (GB): A unit of data storage equal to 1024 megabytes. See also 
megabyte. 
graphics: Drawings, pictures, or other images, such as charts or graphs, 
to present information. 
H
hard disk: A storage device composed of a rigid platter or platters that can 
be magnetically coded with data. Hard disks hold much more 
information than diskettes and are used for long-term storage of 
programs and data. The primary (or only) hard disk in a computer is 
usually fixed, but some computers have secondary hard disks that 
are removable. By default, the hard disk is referred to as drive C. 
hard disk drive (HDD): An electromechanical device that reads and 
writes a hard disk. See also hard disk. 
hardware: The physical electronic and mechanical components of a 
computer system: typically, the computer itself, external disk drives, 
etc. See also software and firmware. 
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-9
Glossary
hertz: A unit of wave frequency that equals one cycle per second. 
host computer: The computer that controls, regulates, and transmits 
information to a device or another computer. 
hot key: The computer’s feature in which certain keys in combination with 
the extended function key, FN, can be used to set system 
parameters, such as speaker volume. 
I
icon: A small graphic image displayed on the screen or in the indicator 
panel. In Windows, an icon represents an object that the user can 
manipulate. 
i.LINK (IEEE1394): This port enables high-speed data transfer directly 
from external devices such as digital video cameras. 
input: The data or instructions you provide to a computer, communication 
device or other peripheral device from the keyboard or external or 
internal storage devices. The data sent (or output) by the sending 
computer is input for the receiving computer. 
instruction: Statements or commands that specify how to perform a 
particular task. 
interface: 1) Hardware and/or software components of a system used 
specifically to connect one system or device to another. 2) To 
physically connect one system or device to another to exchange 
information. 3) The point of contact between user, the computer, 
and the program, for example, the keyboard or a menu. 
interrupt request: A signal that gives a component access to the 
processor. 
I/O: Input/output. Refers to acceptance and transfer of data to and from a 
computer. 
I/O devices: Equipment used to communicate with the computer and 
transfer data to and from it. 
IrDA 1.1: An industry standard that enables cableless infrared serial data 
transfer at speeds of up to 4 Mbps. 
K
K: Taken from the Greek word kilo, meaning 1000; often used as 
equivalent to 1024, or 2 raised to the 10th power. See also byte and 
kilobyte. 
keyboard: An input device containing switches that are activated by 
manually pressing marked keys. Each keystroke activates a switch 
that transmits a specific code to the computer. For each key, the 
transmitted code is, in turn, representative of the (ASCII) character 
marked on the key.  
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-10
Glossary
kilobyte (KB): A unit of data storage equal to 1024 bytes. See also byte 
and megabyte. 
L
L1 cache: Level one cache. Memory cache built into the processor to help 
improve processing speed. See also cache memory, L2 cache. 
L2 cache: Memory cache installed on the motherboard to help improve 
processing speed. It is slower than L1 cache and faster than main 
memory. See also cache memory, L1 cache. 
LAN: A group of computers or other devices dispersed over a relatively 
limited area and connected by a communications link that enables 
any device to interact with any other on the network. 
Light Emitting Diode (LED): A semiconductor device that emits light 
when a current is applied. 
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): Liquid crystal sealed between two sheets 
of glass coated with transparent conducting material. The 
viewingside coating is etched into character forming segments with 
leads that extend to the edge of the glass. Applying a voltage 
between the glass sheets alters the brightness of the liquid crystal. 
M
main board: See motherboard. 
megabyte (MB): A unit of data storage equal to 1024 kilobytes. See also 
kilobyte. 
megahertz: A unit of wave frequency that equals 1 million cycles per 
second. See also hertz. 
memory: Typically refers to the computers main memory, where 
programs are run and data is temporarily stored and processed. 
Memory can be volatile and hold data temporarily, such as RAM, or 
it can be nonvolatile and hold data permanently, such as ROM. A 
computers main memory is RAM. See RAM, ROM. 
menu: A software interface that displays a list of options on the screen. 
Also called a screen. 
microprocessor: A hardware component contained in a single integrated 
circuit that carries out instructions. Also called the central 
processing unit (CPU), one of the main parts of the computer. 
mode: A method of operation, for example, the Shut Down Mode, Standby 
Mode or the Hibernation Mode. 
modem: Derived from modulator/demodulator, a device that converts 
(modulates) digital data for transmission over telephone lines and 
then converts modulated data (demodulates) to digital format 
where received.  
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-11
Glossary
monitor: A device that uses rows and columns of pixels to display 
alphanumeric characters or graphic images. See also CRT. 
motherboard: A name sometimes used to refer to the main printed circuit 
board in processing equipment. It usually contains integrated 
circuits that perform the processor’s basic functions and provides 
connectors for adding other boards that perform special functions.
MP3: An audio compression standard that enables high-quality 
transmission and real-time playback of sound files. 
N
network: A collection of computers and associated devices that are 
connected by communications facilities. A network allows you to 
share data and peripheral devices, such as printers, with other 
users and to exchange electronic mail. 
non-system disk: A disk for storing programs and data that cannot be 
used to start the computer. Compare system disk. 
nonvolatile memory: Memory, usually read-only (ROM), that is capable 
of permanently storing information. Turning the computer’s power 
off does not alter data stored in nonvolatile memory. 
numeric keypad overlay: A feature that allows you to use certain keys on 
the keyboard to perform numeric entry, or to control cursor and 
page movement. 
O
OCR: Optical Character Recognition (reader). A technique or device that 
uses laser or visible light to identify characters and input them into 
a storage device. 
online state: A functional state of a peripheral device when it is ready to 
receive or transmit data. 
operating system: A group of programs that controls the basic operation 
of a computer. Operating system functions include interpreting 
programs, creating data files, and controlling the transmission and 
receipt (input/output) of data to and from memory and peripheral 
device. 
output: The results of a computer operation. Output commonly indicates 
data. 1) printed on paper, 2) displayed at a terminal, 3) sent through 
the serial port of internal modem, or 4) stored on some magnetic 
media. 
P 
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-12
Glossary
PA L : PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is the dominant video and broadcasting 
standard in Europe. 
parity: 1) The symmetrical relationship between two parameter values 
(integers) both of which are either on or off; odd or even; 0 or 1. 2) 
In serial communications, an error detection bit that is added to a 
group of data bits making the sum of the bits even or odd. Parity 
can be set to none, odd, or even. 
password: A unique string of characters used to identify a specific user. 
The computer provides various levels of password protection such 
as user and supervisor. 
PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect. An industry standard 32-bit bus. 
peripheral: Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is attached to the 
computer and controlled by the computers CPU.
Péritel: Péritel is a 21-pin connecting cable/port system that allows 
images and high-quality stereo sound (including Dolby
® Pro-Logic 
sound formats) to be sent from one audio-visual device to another. 
It is also known as a SCART connector or Euro connector. 
pixel: A picture element. The smallest dot that can be made on a display 
or printer. Also called a pel. 
plug and play: A capability with Windows that enables the system to 
automatically recognize connections of external devices and make 
the necessary configurations in the computer. 
pointing device: Any device, such as the Touch Pad or a mouse, that 
enables you to move the cursor on the screen. 
port: The electrical connection through which the computer sends and 
receives data to and from devices or other computers. 
Power Saver: A TOSHIBA utility that lets you set the parameters for 
various power-saving functions. 
program: A set of instructions a computer can execute that enables it to 
achieve a desired result. See also application. 
prompt: A message the computer provides indicating it is ready for or 
requires information or an action from you. 
R
Radio frequency interference (RFI) shield: A metal shield enclosing the 
printed circuit boards of the printer or computer to prevent radio and 
TV interference. All computer equipment generates radio frequency 
signals. The FCC regulates the amount of signals a computing 
device can allow past its shielding. A Class A device is sufficient for 
office use. Class B provides a more stringent classification for 
home equipment use. TOSHIBA portable computers comply with 
Class B computing device regulations. 
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-13
Glossary
Random Access Memory (RAM): Volatile memory that can be written to 
as well as read. Volatile here means that information in RAM is lost 
when you turn off your computer. This type of memory is used for 
your computers main memory. See also memory. Compare ROM. 
resolution: A measure of the sharpness of the images that can be 
produced by a printer or displayed on a screen. For a printer, 
resolution is expressed in dots per inch (dpi). For a screen, it is 
expressed as the number of pixels available horizontally and 
vertically 
restart: Resetting a computer without turning it off (also called warm 
boot, soft reset or reboot). See also boot. 
RGB: Red, green and blue. A device that uses three input signals, each 
activating an electron gun for a primary additive color (red, green 
and blue) or port for using such a device. See also CRT. 
RJ11: A modular telephone jack. 
RJ45: A modular LAN jack. 
Read Only Memory (ROM): Non-volatile memory that can be read but not 
written to. Non-volatile here means that information in ROM 
remains whether or not the computer is receiving power. This type 
of memory is used to store your computers BIOS, which is 
essential instructions the computer reads when you start it up. See 
also BIOS, memory. Compare RAM. 
S
S/P DIF: A standard of digital interface for audio. 
SCSI: Small Computer System Interface is an industry standard interface 
for connection of a variety of peripheral devices. 
SD/SDHC memory card: Secure Digital cards are flash memory widely 
used in a variety of digital devices such as digital cameras and 
Personal Digital Assistants. 
SECAM L: SECAM (Sequential Color Memory) is a broadcasting standard 
used in France. 
SIO: Serial Input/Output. The electronic methodology used in serial data 
transmission. 
soft key: Key combinations that emulate keys on the IBM keyboard, 
change some configuration options, stop program execution, and 
access the numeric keypad overlay. 
software: The set of programs, procedures and related documentation 
associated with a computer system. Specifically refers to computer 
programs that direct and control the computer system’s activities. 
See also hardware. 
stop bit: One or more bits of a byte that follow the transmitted character or 
group codes in asynchronous serial communications.  
						

							User’s ManualGlossary-14
Glossary
synchronous: Having a constant time interval between successive bits, 
characters or events. 
system disk: A diskette that contains the operating system files needed to 
start the computer. Any diskette can be formatted as a system disk. 
A system disk is also called a bootable disk, boot disk or a 
startup disk. Compare non-system disk. 
T
terminal: A typewriter-like keyboard and CRT display screen connected to 
the computer for data input/output. 
TFT display: A liquid crystal display (LCD) made from an array of liquid 
crystal cells using active-matrix technology with thin film transistor 
(TFT) to drive each cell. 
Touch Pad: A pointing device integrated into the TOSHIBA computer palm 
rest. 
U
USB: Universal Serial Bus. This serial interface lets you communicate with 
several devices connected in a chain to a single port on the 
computer. 
V
VGA: Video Graphics Array is an industry standard video adaptor that lets 
you run any popular software. 
volatile memory: Random access memory (RAM) that stores information 
as long as power is supplied to the computer. 
W
warm start: Restarting or resetting a computer without turning it off. 
Wi-Fi
®: A registered trademark term of the Wi-Fi Alliance that stands for 
Wireless Fidelity, and is another term for the communication 
protocol to permit an Ethernet connection using wireless 
communication components. 
window: A portion of the screen that can display its own application, 
document or dialog box. Often used to mean a Microsoft Windows 
window. 
Wireless LAN: Local Area Network (LAN) through wireless 
communication. 
write protection: A method for protecting a floppy diskette from accidental 
erasure.